Bacterial Wilt

The only major disease of turfgrasses resulting from the action of bacteria. It is caused by Xanthomonas campestris and would be rare in the UK. Some cultivars of creeping bent are susceptible, as well as annual meadow grass. Sand only to very-high sand content top-dressings and constructions may be a contributory factor in its spread, with a consequent reduction in antagonistic bacteria and fungi to counter the bacterial wilt pathogen. Changes to grass seed cultivars used in overseeding can help to reduce the potential for this disease by increasing plant diversity.